TRACES of a highly addictive class-A drug were found in Wales’ corridors of power in tests carried out by the Daily Post.

The scientific survey conducted over the past month revealed widespread cocaine abuse across the region.

But the most surprising result of all saw the brand new Senedd building, in Cardiff Bay, test positive for cocaine.

As revealed in yesterday’s Daily Post, traces of the drug turned up in a mother and baby changing unit, a magistrates’ court and three North Wales colleges

The tests were carried out with pink paper swabs which turn blue on contact with cocaine.

And among the locations which tested positive were the men’s toilets in the public area of the Senedd building.

It opened its doors on March 1 last year and has since become one of the country’s most recognisable landmarks.

On its opening the iconic #67m building, designed by architect Lord Richard Rogers, was described as “the living room of Wales”.

The Assembly declined to respond to our findings, saying they did not comment on security issues.

But the Assembly’s shadow minister for social justice Mark Isherwood AM said the findings reflected a wider problem in society.

He said: “Given that the Assembly building has very quickly become one of the most-visited attractions in Wales, and it is being visited by a very broad section of society, it should not be particularly surprising.

“But it is reflective of the reality of the society we live in today and how common the use of cocaine is.

“There has been a very worrying degree of denial and complacency over the growth in the use of cocaine.

“There is also a worrying determination that heroin remains the dominant class-A drug of choice.

“Anecdotal evidence I have heard from charities and voluntary groups working on the streets says cocaine use is growing substantially.

“Research the minister has produced has played this down and suggested it is not a crisis.

“But this evidence supports the fact it is a growing crisis and we must stop turning a blind eye to it.”

In June 2005 a drug-testing machine tested in the Assembly chamber revealed traces of drugs on a number of Assembly Members’ hands.

The drug detection machine shows up the most minute samples of cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and cannabis.

Welsh social justice minister Edwina Hart said Labour was planning to challenge the misuse of alcohol and drugs in Wales, providing #75m for prevention and rehabilitation.

Useful contacts if you are battling a cocaine addiction or are worried about someone else:

Talk to Frank – Government run advice and helpline on 0800 77 66 00 or www.talktofrank.com

Cais – North Wales-based drug and alcohol service on 0845 06 121 121 or www.cais.co.uk